Assurances needed

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Has the loss of confidence in our public safety system resulting from the last Corral Canyon fire sent a message to residents? Should residents be preparing to protect their own homes? Does a volunteer fire department warrant exploration?

Matt Haines deserves more than the Dolphin award for his efforts. Haines purchased two 31-year-old fire trucks and due to his forward thinking preparation, he was able to save his house and his entire street with help from his neighbors.

Residents hold the firefighters in high regard. Residents reminisce about how these honorable men defended the canyon in previous fires. It is the commander’s execution we question. Los Angeles County Fire Chief shared his time and safety plan at the last Operation Recovery meeting. However, many fire victims left with many unanswered questions, and a lack of confidence.

An elaborate plan is forward thinking but will it be executed? The facts in the fire department’s written report were not the same facts as those who witnessed the fire. We need an agreement on the historical facts prior to developing future improvements.

Residents are still struggling to understand the lack of deployment from the local commanders. The fire started before 3 a.m. By 6 a.m. there were over 100 fire engines dispatched. Most engines were staged at the bottom of PCH, few dispatched to Corral Canyon. Even homes that started burning at 7:30 a.m. never received a drop of water. Rumblings from the canyons are growing stronger. Unless residents are satisfied with an explanation of what went wrong, you can bet residents will stay and protect their own homes.

How can canyon residents be expected to have blind faith that they will be protected in the future? You can be sure, when evacuations occur, there will be people who will not go, and a father/husband will die trying to protect his family home. With all due respect, Mr. Battalion Chief, that will be on your conscience. Help us prevent these possible fatalities by explaining what went wrong, and how the fire department will defend us in the future.

Kim Batarse